The University of the Red Sea conducted its annual student Association elections on April 25, 2024. The election process also acts as the university’s pillar to democratic governance where the students elect the president to the leadership of the Student Association for the academic year 2024-2025. With a history of five years, the election has been successfully conducted since its inception, and it has fostered continuity and effective management of the student’s affairs.
In this election, two candidates battled it out to occupy the position of the President. The running themes of their candidacy were increased student participation, demonstration of leadership abilities, promotion of advice and competition, and the ability to ensure that the candidate in power truly represents the majority.
The Red Sea University Student Association, a student organ under the university administration, governed through a well-defined and structured framework that involves three main councils: the general assembly, the central council, and the executive council. The general assembly is the supreme decision-making unit composed of all students. The central council is made up of 18 members who represent the different colleges and help in policy-making. The executive council is led by the chairman and deputy, with eight others bringing the number to ten. These function on a daily basis to ensure that the Association runs smoothly.
The University of the Red Sea was established in 2008, as a non-profit organization; today, it offers 22 academic programs through seven faculties and campuses in Bossaso and Galkayo. It enrolls thousands of students who then form the Student Association to air their grievances and run the day-to-day operations under the guidance of the Student Affairs section.
During the elections, the university authority employed self-explanatory mechanisms during the voting exercise to keep its integrity. This election has achieved the University’s noble objectives that included the internalization of democracy, instilling leadership qualities in students, fostering competition, upholding moral values, and prioritizing freedoms. The elections were concluded successfully as it was a clear testimony of democracy and good leadership that can positively impact governance among the students.
